Taxonomy, Prevalence, and Specificity of Cryptobia dahli (Möbius) (Mastigophora: Bodonidae) in Lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus

Abstract

The protozoan parasite Cryptobia dahli (Mastigophora: Bodonidae) is reported from the stomach of lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus, captured off coastal Newfoundland. The parasite was observed in 104 adult specimens but not in 407 viable eggs, 246 young (< 10 mm) that were reared in the laboratory, or in 57 immature lumpfish (25–130 mm). Experiments on host susceptibility indicate, however, that young lumpfish can become infected with C. dahli but not Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus, Mallotus villosus, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, or Tautogolabrus adspersus. It is likely that infections in lumpfish are acquired naturally following ingestion of regurgitated flagellates.